Coahoma Community College is saddened to learn of the recent passing of Amzi Barial Burt, Jr., an alumnus of Coahoma Agricultural High School and Coahoma Junior College and former CJC Football coach.
Burt, 77, departed this life on April 13, 2021. He was born to the late Amzi Burt, Sr. and Pinky Lee Burt of Clarksdale, Mississippi, on October 30, 1943.
Burt graduated from Coahoma Agricultural High School in 1963. He continued his education at Coahoma Community College (CJC), receiving an Associate's degree in Art in 1965 and received a B.S. degree in Secondary Education from Alabama A&M University in 1968.
In 2000, he was joined in holy matrimony to Susie Mae Burt, and they lived together in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Together they raised six children: Bobbie Jean Ranson, Mary Ann Ranson (deceased), Samantha Burt Barnes, Jennifer Renea Ranson, Amanda Serenity Bell (Orlando), and Lashunda Denise Ranson. He is survived by 17 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister, Patricia Burt Brown, daughter, Mary Ann Ranson, and granddaughter, Josephine Sanchez Ranson.
Coach Burt was an avid lover of athletics and the third football coach of CJC (1984-85) after the institution reinstated football as a sport in 1975. He went on to coach in area Delta high school for at least five decades. Throughout that time, Coach Burt played a pivotal role in transforming the lives of countless young people through the game he held so dear to his heart.
Coahoma Community College President, Dr. Valmadge T. Towner, recalls the impact that Coach Burt had on a multitude of youths and thinks of him as a longstanding Mississippi Delta hero.
"In my view, Coach Burt literally saved many lives with his demanding, tough but fair discipline. He could make a student do push-ups on the spot, and at the same time, he would give his last to help that student. Oh, how we need more men to emulate the life of one of my heroes, said Towner. "He had a demeanor that signaled that he didn't play around, but at the same time, he conveyed a spirit to students that echoed that he loved you, believed in you, and wanted the best for you."
Burt was always known to have a big heart. He was known for his love of football and shared that love with all who knew him. Beyond his profession, Burt's most significant accomplishment was being a dutiful father.
The family of Amzi Burt, Jr. has requested a small service with only family and close friends at this time, but do appreciate the outpouring of love and support that they have received. On Friday, April 16, 2021, a visitation ceremony is at Royal Funeral Home from 4-6:00 p.m.
We ask that you keep the Burt family in your thoughts and prayers.